Policy & Partnerships Manager

Role: Policy & Partnerships Manager

Location: New Delhi (Hybrid) 
Job type: Full time, Permanent 

Why QS?

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. That’s why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst flourishing personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do – we collaborate, respect and support each other.

It’s our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, you’ll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

We’re confident you’ll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® in the UK (October 2023), recognising the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day. And as a gold-accredited Investors in People organisation – putting us among the top 28% of workplaces globally – it’s official: QS is a place where everyone can thrive.

As a Policy & Partnerships Manager, this is what you’ll be doing:

The Policy & Partnerships Manager is a strategically critical, India-based role that supports QS’s global government engagement, inter-regional partnerships, and thought leadership agenda. Based in New Delhi, the role sits at the centre of India’s policy and diplomatic ecosystem and works closely with Chair of QS India, VP, Strategic and International Engagement to translate high-level relationships into structured engagements, policy outputs, and long-term institutional impact.

        Role responsibilities:

Support and coordinate government and policy engagement at national and state levels, with a strong focus on central ministries, regulators, embassies, multilateral bodies, and select state governments driving higher education and skills reform

Support outreach to and partnership development with global and multilateral organisations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), G20 education and skills tracks, UNESCO, OECD, World Bank, IFC, Commonwealth Secretariat, African Union bodies, and similar platforms, in line with QS’s institutional priorities

Lead day-to-day coordination of policy-led and TNE-related partnerships for QS, including preparation of briefing notes, stakeholder mapping, regulatory context notes, and follow-ups across India and select international markets

Curate policy reports, TNE frameworks, thought leadership pieces, white papers, and summit outcomes in collaboration with QS research, partnerships, and communications functions

Represent QS in select meetings, roundtables, and engagements alongside or on behalf of Chair of QS India, VP, Strategic and International Engagement, including TNE, offshore campus, dual degree, and cross-border partnership discussions, where appropriate

Support planning and delivery of high-level QS delegation and strategic engagements, particularly those linked to the QS India Summit, global policy platforms, TNE initiatives, and government partnerships

Maintain structured records of engagements, outcomes, and opportunities to support continuity, reporting, and commercial and strategic follow-through for QS

Key skills and experience:

Master’s degree (MA/MSc) or PhD in Public Policy, International Relations, Higher Education, Economics, Development Studies, Education Policy, or a closely related field

Relevant professional experience in public policy, government affairs, higher education strategy, international education, or transnational education (TNE)

Demonstrated experience engaging with central government ministries, regulators, or policy bodies in India

Exposure to state-level government engagement in education, skills, or higher education reform is strongly preferred

Working knowledge of transnational education models, including dual degrees, twinning arrangements, offshore delivery, or international branch campuses

Proven ability to research, analyse, and synthesise complex policy and regulatory environments into clear, actionable outputs

Strong writing and editorial skills, with experience contributing to policy briefs, white papers, thought leadership pieces, or strategic reports

Experience coordinating cross-border or multi-stakeholder partnerships involving universities, governments, or international organisations

Confidence operating in senior stakeholder environments, including government meetings, policy roundtables, and international forums

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver against tight timelines

High levels of discretion, judgement, and professionalism in sensitive policy and government contexts

Comfort working in a globally networked role, coordinating with internal teams across regions and time zones

Based in New Delhi, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required. 

So, who are we and what do we do?

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success.

We’re behind the world’s most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings® reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the world’s leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and you’ll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, we’re strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education?

We take investing in our people very seriously.

As standard you will have:

Competitive base salary  

Access to an annual bonus scheme (for qualifying roles only) 

21 days annual leave – increasing to 23 days after 5 years’ service + 8 days casual leave 

15 days holiday for the year 2026

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave  

Access to Provident Fund and Pension Fund Scheme  

Group Medical Insurance 

A vibrant social environment and multicultural and multinational culture 

But that’s not all. Outside of these standard benefits we also offer resources to allow professional growth and wellness initiatives to nurture a healthy mindset:

Free subscription to the Calm App – the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation

A focus on welfare which is led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally

Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups

Strong recognition and reward programs – including a peer-to-peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual personal development event

Support for volunteering and study leave

Free subscription to LinkedIn learning – with over 5,000 courses and programmes at your fingertips

Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme

Like what you’ve heard? Great, apply now!

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so it’s important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.